Takayasu arteritis

Causes and Risks:
The cause of Takayasu arteritis is unknown but the disease occurs almost exclusively in young women, many of whom are of Asian or African descent. The disease appears to be rheumatic or autoimmune in nature and may involve systems other than just the heart's aorta and its major branches.

Because of changes in the aorta and its branches (those that feed the head, neck, and upper limb areas) patients may have decreased or absent radial pulses ( pulse in the wrist). Inflammation in the carotid arteries (supplying the brain) may cause visual problems or neurological problems. Hypertension is common and may relate to decreased blood flow to the kidneys. Rupture of affected vessels may occur following the formation of aneurysms .

Systemic complaints may include fever , rash , muscle aches ( myalgia ), and arthritis . Inflammation can also develop in the lining of the chest cavity ( pleuritis ) and the sack-like covering of the heart, the pericardium ( pericarditis ).

Survival in children is infrequent. Survival in adults is somewhat better.

Prevention:
There is no known prevention.

Symptoms:



Signs and Tests:
There may be signs of inflammation of the lining around the heart ( pericarditis ) or inflammation of the lining of the lungs ( pleuritis ). Other findings include:

Tests:



Treatment:
Treatment of this disease has not been rewarding. Antiinflammatory drugs, steroids, and immunosuppressants have been tried without good results.

Prognosis:
The outcome of this condition is often fatal, especially in children.

Complications:



Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of this condition. Weak pulses, chest pain , and difficulty breathing indicate a need to be seen immediately.